What to treat lambs with to protect them from ticks? - briefly
Treat lambs with an approved acaricide—commonly a pour‑on or injectable formulation of eprinomectin, ivermectin, or a topical permethrin spray—to prevent tick infestation. Use the product according to label dosage and re‑treat as recommended for the local tick life cycle.
What to treat lambs with to protect them from ticks? - in detail
Effective control of tick infestations in lambs relies on a combination of chemical, biological, and management strategies. Each option requires correct dosage, timing, and adherence to withdrawal periods to ensure animal health and product safety.
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Synthetic acaricides
Organophosphates (e.g., diazinon, chlorpyrifos): applied as pour‑on or spray; dosage typically 0.5–1 ml per kilogram of body weight; re‑treatment every 2–3 weeks during peak tick activity.
Synthetic pyrethroids (e.g., permethrin, cypermethrin): pour‑on formulation; 0.2–0.5 ml kg⁻¹; effectiveness lasts 3–4 weeks.
Macrocyclic lactones (e.g., ivermectin, doramectin): injectable or pour‑on; dose 0.2 mg kg⁻¹; provides systemic protection for up to 21 days. -
Biological products
Entomopathogenic fungi (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria bassiana): applied as spray; concentration 1 × 10⁸ conidia ml⁻¹; kills ticks within 5–7 days; compatible with organic systems.
Acaricidal essential oils (e.g., neem, rosemary, eucalyptus): diluted to 5 % in carrier oil; sprayed on fleece; requires weekly application during high‑risk periods. -
Integrated management
Pasture rotation: move flocks to tick‑free pastures for at least 14 days before returning.
Vegetation control: remove tall grasses and weeds that shelter ticks.
Regular inspection: examine ears, udder, and ventral region weekly; remove attached ticks manually when found. -
Resistance mitigation
Rotate classes of acaricides every 6–8 weeks.
Combine chemical treatment with biological agents to reduce selection pressure. -
Safety and withdrawal
Observe label‑specified milk and meat withdrawal periods (typically 0–7 days for pour‑on, up to 14 days for injectable products).
Wear protective equipment during application to avoid dermal exposure.
Implementing these measures in a coordinated program reduces tick burden, limits disease transmission, and supports sustainable lamb production.